Bankruptcy/Restructuring
USA Guide 2024 : Florida: South
Band 2
About
Provided by Akerman LLP
Akerman represents creditors, distressed businesses, court appointed committees, and various fiduciaries, in complex insolvency matters. We have served as bankruptcy counsel in many of the nation’s largest bankruptcy filings, and as receivers and attorneys for receivers in suits filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to liquidate companies that have violated federal securities laws. Noted for our work on cases involving fraud, we have overseen several of the largest Ponzi scheme and EB-5 receiverships in the United States.
The team guides clients, which include creditors’ committees, through Chapter 11 proceedings. We also have extensive experience with Chapter 15 cross-border insolvency cases, liquidations under Chapter 7, and Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors. We have extensive experience in many sectors, with particular emphasis on private equity, healthcare, real estate, energy, hospitality, restaurants, cryptocurrency and digital assets, and staffing.
What We Do
- Chapter 11 reorganization for business debtors
- Secured creditors and debtors-in-possession financing
- Bankruptcy trustee representation
- SEC receiverships and Ponzi schemes
- Chapter 15 cross-border insolvency cases
- Commercial landlord-tenant bankruptcy
- Corporate restructuring and insolvency
- Creditors’ committee representation
- Buying and selling assets in Section 363 sales
- Distressed M&A transactions
- Preference and fraudulent transfer litigation
Chambers Review
Akerman LLP's bankruptcy team is highly regarded for its experience in foreclosures, workouts and receiverships. It focuses primarily on the representation of creditors and trustees, including major national and international financial clients, alongside work for commercial landlords, suppliers, vendors and purchasers of distressed companies and assets. The team has a strong base across Florida and is also able to draw on wider nationwide bankruptcy capabilities in key hubs such as New York and Dallas.
Work Highlights
- Akerman acted as a receiver for the Champlain Tower South Condominium Association. It oversees all legal and financial matters for the association.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Akerman are well experienced and their experience enables them to handle complex matters efficiently. The firm has experts in a variety of legal issues including real estate, appellate issues and general bankruptcy matters. "
"The firm has a large pool of attorneys in every specialty needed for complex litigation in both state and federal courts. Every aspect of the case is well organized and calendared."
"Akerman are a joy to work with. They listened to us, and were collaborative and very respectful."
"Akerman are well experienced and their experience enables them to handle complex matters efficiently. The firm has experts in a variety of legal issues including real estate, appellate issues and general bankruptcy matters. "
"The firm has a large pool of attorneys in every specialty needed for complex litigation in both state and federal courts. Every aspect of the case is well organized and calendared."
"Akerman are a joy to work with. They listened to us, and were collaborative and very respectful."
Notable Practitioners
Jules Cohen is a popular choice for clients seeking advice on Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. He offers notable experience handling matters in the retail and real estate sectors.
"Jules has an incredible wealth of knowledge from his many years of experience."
Michael Goldberg is considered to be an expert in bankruptcy-related asset recovery and fraud matters.
"Michael is an extraordinary lawyer and problem solver. He has truly extraordinary judgment, and his demeanor is always professional and calm."
Head of department Andrea Hartley is known for her participation in Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 bankruptcies. She represents a wide range of clients including trustees and corporations.
"Andrea is a pleasure to work with. She is professional, courteous and responsive."
Brett Marks has built a diverse practice in the bankruptcy sector and is noted for his debtor, creditor and trustee representation. He is adept at counseling officers and directors of insolvent companies and defending them against fiduciary duty and other litigation claims.
Eyal Berger is a talented bankruptcy practitioner with a growing creditor-side practice. He offers notable expertise in Chapter 11 proceedings and in particular Chapter 5 cases.
Esther McKean is noted for her work in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Clients such as trustees and corporations benefit from her knowledge of bankruptcy proceedings.
"Esther is well respected by the judges and her colleagues."
"Esther McKean is a driven lawyer who has good organizational skills and exhibits good legal talent. She is detail-oriented and brings together cases effectively on all fronts."
Steven Wirth enjoys market recognition for his burgeoning practice. He regularly counsels distressed companies on their finances.
"He thinks outside the box and comes up with real-world solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Akerman LLP
Florida
Florida: North & Central
Florida: South
Members
Provided by Akerman LLP
D Brett Marks
David E Otero
Clients
Provided by Akerman LLP
Buffets LLC
Clawback Defendants (Bernie Madoff)
Jay Peak Vermont Resort - Receiver
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler, P.A. - Liquidating Trustee
Samsung Electronics of America
Worldwide Entertainment - Receiver
Industries
Provided by Akerman LLP
Banks
Chemicals
Commercial & Professional Services
Energy
Financial Services
Health Care
Private Clients / Individuals
Real Estate
Real Estate Finance
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Technology, Hardware & Electronics
Transportation
Travel & Leisure